Outreach & Accessibility

We strive to make every aspect of HMNS accessible, so let us bring a little bit of the Museum to you! We have a wide variety of programs that can be tailored to any groups’ needs. We’ve outlined a few of the programs we would recommend for those with specific disabilities below, but let us know if we can accommodate your group in any way. Additionally, please let us know about your group’s needs at the time of booking, and we’ll make sure we provide you with the best possible program and museum experience. After all, science is for everyone!

Memory Loss/ Dementia

For those with memory loss and dementia, we recommend our Docents to Go programs. We have a wide variety of programs to choose from, and our volunteer docents will facilitate an interactive and engaging presentation for both patients and caregivers alike.

Blind & Low Vision

For those who are blind or have low vision, we recommend the following programs:

All of these programs feature museum specimens or live animals that can be touched along with 3D-printed objects that will highlight specific features or concepts. Our presenters are trained in using detailed verbal descriptions to describe live animals and their biology or paleontology and geology concepts, depending on which program you select.

Life in the UniverseJoin us in search of those special places that might harbor life, including all of the planets in our solar system. The show includes the birth and death of stars, formation of distant galaxies and the Big Bang. It’s a beautiful scenic tour of our universe through the eyes of astronomers looking for clues about the origin of life and the development of intelligence. Best for grades 3-12.

The Great Planet AdventuresBe a super star on the solar system’s low gravity worlds: zip lining on the scorched Mercury, snowmobiling on Pluto, bungee jumping from an asteroid and diving from the tallest cliff or rappelling into deepest canyon in the solar system. Ten thrills and ten destinations visiting all the planets! Best for all grades.

Ice WorldsExplore the ice worlds of our Solar System. Discover how Earth’s poles are changing. With icebergs, whales, penguins, and polar bears, this is an entertaining and informative introduction to the latest information on our planet’s changing climate. Best for grades 3–12.

Our two suggested Chevron Earth Science on Wheels programs are highly tactile and hands-on with various museum specimens and fossils. Our recommended Discovery Dome shows have more soothing visual and auditory sequences. Our Discovery Dome operators can also lower the volume for shows should participants need it. It is important to note that in order to enter the Discovery Dome, participants must pass through a smaller, inflatable portal to get to the inner part of the dome where the film is played. You can see what this passageway looks like in the video on the Discovery Dome’s page, so you can determine whether this is a good fit for your group. In addition, the interior of the Dome is very dark, and there is no overhead light source. Dome operators are equipped with a flashlight, and once the shows begin, the Dome is better lit. Finally, all participants within the Discovery Dome have to be seated on the floor to prevent shadows from the projection.